What is the key precaution regarding Surgicel Powder in surgical specialties?

• A. Precautions against use in Cardiac surgery
• B. Precautions against use in ENT procedures
• C. Precautions against use in neurosurgery
• D. No precautions

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that Surgicel Powder carries a high risk of dispersing into airway and nasal passages, which makes it particularly problematic in ENT procedures. In the narrow, moisture-rich environment of the nose, sinuses, and throat, powder particles can travel easily, be aspirated, or lodge in mucosal folds. Once there, they can obstruct the airway or sinus drainage, provoke granulomatous or inflammatory reactions, and be difficult to remove endoscopically. The material also swells when it contacts fluids, which can further narrow or block delicate ENT pathways. For these reasons, precautions against using Surgicel Powder in ENT surgeries are emphasized. In other specialties, the powder form is less likely to cause airway blockage if kept localized and removed promptly, but in ENT the risk to the airway and sinus compartments makes avoidance the prudent choice. If hemostasis is needed in ENT, alternatives or non-powder forms are preferred, with careful suctioning and irrigation to prevent residual material from causing problems.